CID community responds to King County’s halt to ‘mega shelter’ plans
On Friday, Oct. 14, the community received word that plans for “mega shelter” that was going to be built on the border of the Chinatown International District was halted.
The statement from King County read: “King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that the county-leased property in SODO will maintain the existing 270-person Salvation Army-operated Lighthouse Shelter, and not expand services as previously planned. The Salvation Army’s shelter will continue receiving operations funding from King County and Seattle through the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) and will remain in its location on County-leased property.
“If approved by the County Council, Executive Constantine’s proposal would utilize funds planned for expanded services at the SODO site, and redirect toward other projects that will provide faster access to shelter or housing for people experiencing homelessness. The proposal would include making funds available for a one-time wage boost for providers and investing in any community in the County able to quickly house residents experiencing homelessness, like in the Green River area of South King County.”
Prior to the announcement CID residents and community activists had planned a rally on Saturday Oct. 15 to protest the impacts of the “mega shelter” on the neighborhood, which did not actively involve the community in its planning. The rally went on as planned despite the announcement.
“It’s not a thing we’re saying ‘do not house those who are unhoused.’ We definitely want something there too, but again, stop putting people against each other. Stop picking on vulnerable communities, because people don’t really speak English much,” OCA Seattle board president Connie So told KOMO News.
